Verizon sets new 5G upload speed record as it continues to advance its network to manage AI and other emerging workloads

By: Verizon Communications, Inc. via GlobeNewswire

February 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the ecosystem around 5G evolves, Verizon has been actively optimizing its network with 5G advanced technology, high-speed fiber, edge computing and intelligent management to efficiently handle the massive data demands of real-time applications, seamless cloud connectivity, and data-intensive demands of AI-driven workloads.

Verizon and its collaborators Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., just made another large leap forward in advancing that ecosystem. Using a combination of two TDD carrier component aggregation with C-band spectrum and uplink MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, the companies achieved a US record-breaking 480 Mbps uplink speed using sub-6 GHz spectrum.

“Emerging applications, such as smart surveillance, industrial automation, augmented reality devices and generative AI models, require massive amounts of data to be continuously uploaded for analysis, decision-making, and model training,” said Srini Kalapala, Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development at Verizon. “Faster uplink speeds, in combination with the other advancements we’ve been introducing into our network, ensure that AI-driven systems can process real-time video feeds, sensor data, and user interactions without lag, improving responsiveness and accuracy. The work we are doing to drive uplink speeds is a key variable that will allow our customers to take advantage of these AI applications on our network.”

Extremely fast upload speeds are particularly critical for time-sensitive applications like healthcare diagnostics, remote robotics, and live broadcasting, where delays in data transmission can impact outcomes. Higher uplink speeds for solutions such as these provide seamless data transmission from customers’ devices to the cloud, enable low-latency interactions and reduce bottlenecks in data-heavy applications. With the 5G enhanced uplink capabilities demonstrated in this trial, businesses and industries will be able to unlock many benefits of AI, enabling smarter automation, improving efficiencies, and delivering more immersive user experiences. Real-time applications such as video conferencing, cloud gaming, IoT communications, and augmented reality (AR) also rely on robust uplink capabilities for seamless performance. Additionally, as more users generate and upload high-resolution content to platforms like social media and streaming services, strong uplink capabilities help maintain smooth performance and enhance customers’ experience.

“Reaching 480 Mbps uplink speeds is a remarkable achievement and highlights the strength of Ericsson’s RAN technology,” said Hannes Ekström, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Verizon for Ericsson North America. “This breakthrough not only boosts data upload efficiency but also meets the high demands of real-time applications and AI-driven tasks. Our technology is essential for providing smooth performance and outstanding user experiences across enterprise and consumer applications alike.”

About the trial

In this demonstration of technological capabilities, Verizon, Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies used 200 MHz of C-band spectrum, employing 2x2 MIMO on each 100MHz channel, hosted on Ericsson’s state-of-the-art Generation 4 RAN Processor 6672 and Massive MIMO TDD antenna integrated radio AIR 6449.

MIMO is a technology that uses multiple antennas on both the network and the device to send and receive multiple data streams simultaneously. It enhances throughput, reliability, and coverage by leveraging multiple antennas to combat interference and improve signal strength.

The trial also employed TDD (Time Division Duplex.) TDD is a method that allows both uplink and downlink to share the same frequency band but at different time slots. It is used to dynamically allocate time for uploads and downloads based on dynamically shifting network demands, and improves spectral efficiency, especially in scenarios where download and upload needs vary.

“This achievement is a powerful demonstration of Verizon, Ericsson, and Qualcomm Technologies’ commitment to advancing the 5G frontier. Fast upload speeds are essential for applications where every second matters, ensuring seamless data transmission from devices to the cloud for real-time interactions. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of empowering businesses to fully leverage AI, driving smarter automation, greater efficiency, and more engaging user experiences,” said Sunil Patil, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

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